Reed-protecting device



G. C. MAZZERI.

' REED PROTECTING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED 58- 2.1918. I

' Patented Apr. 26; 1921.

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GIQYANNI C. MAZZERI, 0F VIRDEN, ILLINOIS.

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Specification of Letters Patent. v Patented Apr, 26, 1921.

Application filed February 2,1918. Serial No.'215,094.

adjustingdevices for 'the reeds of musical.

instruments and one object is to provide a device by means of which theusual reed of a clarinet or other similar musical instrument may beregulated, for varying the effective length thereof, for purposes wellknown.

A further obj ect is to provide a protecting device for a reed whichwill prevent the saliva from passing under the reed and cansin injury tothe latter.

ith the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists inthe construction, combination and arrangement of elements hereinafterdescribed and claimed.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a view showing the reed in longitudinal section, with theprotecting plate located below the reed.

Fig. 2 is a" plan view of the plate.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the reed.

Fig. 4. is a transverse section of the reed with the plate associatedtherewith.

Fig. .5 is a detail on an enlarged scale of a portion of the structureof Fig. 1.

In carrying out my invention, I provide in connection with the usualreed 10 mounted upon the mouthpiece of the instrument 12, a protectingplate, constituting also a regulating and adjusting member, this elementlast-named being designated 14, The main portion of the plate comprlsesa strip of metal, substantially rectangular in" form and provided alongoppositely located sides .with permitting of adjustment with referandadjacent to one end with upwardly extend ng flanges 15 and 16 engagingthe edge portions of the reed 10 and having frictional contacttherewith. r

-A plurality of graduations are provided as shown at 18 in order thatthe individual playing the instrument may adjust the device 14 forvaryin the effective length of the reed when a so medium or loud note isdesired.

All types of reeds found on the market absorb the saliva to such anextent that their vibratory qualities are seriously affected, and it isnot possible to reach the high notes. The present device not onlyprotects the reed from excessive moisture but stiifens it and ermits ofvariation in the length, or'rather 1n the effective length, in themanner indicated. It is possible to secure a number of variations intone or volume without employing different reeds, as is customary underordinar-y conditions. The reed is maintained in good condition no matterhow long the instrument is inuse at a given time, and the player findsit easy to make all notes clear and strong, and to reachB fiat withoutdifficulty. The article will be made of Ger-.

' man silver, pure silver or gold.

What I claim is: j

p In a device of the class described, the combination with the body of awind instrument and a reedcarried thereby,,ofa plateextendinglongitudinally of the reed and between the latter and themouthpiece of the instrument, said plate having upwardly extendingflanges engaging the edges of the reed, and having frictional contactthereence to the free end of the reed.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

GIOVANNI o. AZZERI'.

